What was the Largest Pre-Columbian City in North America?

Cahokia: The Largest Pre-Columbian City in North America

Cahokia, a major urban center of the Mississippian culture, was the largest Native American city in North America prior to the arrival of Europeans. Located near present-day St. Louis, Missouri, Cahokia thrived from around 600 AD to 1400 AD, reaching its peak around 1100 AD.

A Peak Population of 20,000

At its peak, Cahokia is estimated to have had a population ranging from 10,000 to possibly as high as 20,000 inhabitants. This estimation was based on various archaeological findings and historical records. Making Cahokia one of the most populous cities in the world during that era, it outshone other major urban centers such as Tenochtitlan in Aztec Empire and the city of Maya cities, which flourished around the same period.

Architectural Marvels and Social Structure

Cahokia was characterized by a complex social structure and impressive architectural achievements. The city featured large earthen mounds used for ceremonial purposes and as platforms for important buildings, reflecting the advanced social and political organization of the society. The most notable of these mounds is Monks Mound, standing about 100 feet tall and covering an area of over 14 acres. Much more than a mere structure, Monks Mound served as a central feature of the city, likely housing elite individuals or important ceremonial structures.

Urban Layout and Trade Networks

The urban layout of Cahokia included residential areas, public plazas for gatherings, and extensive trade networks that connected it with other regions across North America. The inhabitants engaged in intensive agriculture, primarily cultivating maize, corn, beans, and squash—crops that formed the cornerstone of their diet. Trade was an integral part of the city’s economy, with goods such as pottery, tools, and shells being obtained from distant coastal areas.

The Decline of Cahokia

The decline of Cahokia began around the 13th century due to a variety of factors. Environmental changes, resource depletion, social upheaval, and possibly conflicts with neighboring groups contributed to the city's eventual abandonment. By the time European explorers arrived in the region in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, Cahokia was already largely empty, with only the remains of its impressive structures serving as a silent testament to its former greatness.

References

Brown, Kenneth E. et al.. Cahokia: A World Monument. University of Illinois Press, 2013. Pauketat, Timothy R.. Cahokia: Ancient America’s Great City on the Mississippi. Penguin Books, 2004. Milner, George R. et al.. "Cahokia: A New Perspective." American Antiquity, vol. 69, no. 3, 2004, pp. 453-477. Emerson, Thomas E. et al., eds. The Cahokia Atlas: A Historical Geography of Ancient Native America. University of Illinois Press, 2020. Steponaitis, Vincas P.. "The Archaeology of Cahokia." Journal of Field Archaeology, vol. 18, no. 1, 1991, pp. 1-24.

Conclusion

Cahokia still holds a significant place in the annals of pre-Columbian American history as it demonstrates the advanced pre-contact civilizations that thrived on the North American continent. Its study continues to shed light on the complex societies, their technological advancements, and the profound cultural heritage of the Mississippian culture and other indigenous peoples of the region.

Further Exploration

For further reading and exploration of Cahokia and its culture, consider visiting the resources provided or conducting further research on related topics such as ancient American cities, Native American archaeology, and the Mississippian culture.